Page 18

CHAPTER 17

Jourdan

I gathered my breath as I stood out of the camera’s eye at the corner of Stephon’s house. I was trying to ensure there wasn’t another near the door where I needed to enter. I was in his backyard after running several blocks from where I parked. To the unsuspecting neighbor, I appeared to be going on an early morning run. I stood for a moment longer, looking around his property. His house made my modest two-story look like a playhouse. It was a contemporary-styled home with two stories, but probably double the size of mine. It was black with large windows and gray stone features. The lawn was perfectly manicured, and in the center sat a beautiful pool.

I finally moved underneath the cover of his back porch and made my way to the door. I quickly took out my pocket knife and popped the panel. He used a biometric lock and code similar to the one I installed on my doors. Since I was familiar with the setup, it took only a few moments to crack open. Once it was off, I hooked up my decoder and waited for it to render the results.

No way!

I read and re-read what appeared several times. The number that was decoded to allow me access was my birthdate. After standing for a moment in disbelief, I returned the panel to its original position and entered the code to unlock the door. As I glanced around, I kneeled, taking off my shoes one at a time, and placed them by the door before entering. My breath was taken away by what I saw. It was grand but still felt homely. A tan sectional and chairs with espresso accents filled the oversized living room. Pops of rustic orange and navy blue were used throughout the décor and artwork. Family photos were also sitting on a credenza to the right of the door. I studied the pictures of him with his parents and noted again that he’d taken his looks primarily from his mother. His meticulousness was shown in the way that I couldn’t spot anything out of place.

I skimmed my hand on the sofa as I walked by and headed to the kitchen. I loved a good kitchen, and Stephon’s did not disappoint. There was a vast marble island with waterfall edges, and the appliances were high-quality and outfitted for a chef. Still making a point to run my hands over every surface in his home, I made my way to his refrigerator, where I found a bowl of fresh fruit that I helped myself to, along with a bottle of water to eat and drink as I continued my tour. I was determined to leave my mark in his home, similar to what he’d left on me and mine .

On my way to the stairs, I saw a dining room, a guest suite, and an office. I made a note of them because I would return to them later. I continued to be in awe of what I found upstairs. There were four additional rooms, including a man cave, two bedrooms, and a primary bedroom. They were impeccably decorated, and everything was in its place.

Did his mother help him with the décor? She better have!

Now that my hands were occupied, I no longer made it a point to touch his things, that is, until I entered his domain. It smelled like him, and I was smiling now that I could invade his privacy just as he had mine. In the center sat a neatly made Alaskan King bed with plush tan bedding. I set my snack on the dresser and undressed. I unzipped my workout jacket and threw it to the floor, then shimmied out of my leggings. Underneath were a sports bra and undies. Once satisfied that none of my outside clothes were on, I walked over. As I did, I ran my hands across his bedding. Stephon had a balcony off his bedroom that I hadn’t noticed. I walked to the door and looked down into his beautiful backyard and pool. After I’d taken in the view, I finally dove into the bed. I giggled and kicked my feet as I sank into the center like I’d won a prize. I haphazardly wrapped myself in his down comforter and pillows, grabbing them under my nose to sniff. I exhaled and could no longer hold in my smile.

Jourdan, girl, you are acting like a straight-up stalker right now.

I couldn’t help but envision myself in this bed every night, with him holding me and making love until I fell asleep. Stephon had created a space for me that engulfed me in comfort. He made me feel seen, safe, and secure, even in his bed, where the only traces of him were his scent. I finally stood and remade his bed. I gathered my leggings, jumped back into them, and threw my jacket back on. My next destination was the closet, where I found his suits and daily wardrobe. I ran my hand over the soft wool fabric, looking at the tags.

All designer.

I scoured his drawers. Pulling each open one by one. I found various watches, ties, underwear, and a drawer with guns and ammo. They were housed in a custom-fit mold with the barrels opposite each other. I picked one of them up, admiring the piece of steel and its weight in my hands. It was one of two twin brushed stainless steel with black grip Smith and Wesson M I no longer gave a damn. As I placed my hands on the handle, his mail caught my eye in a dish on the table. I grabbed the stack and proceeded out the door like I owned the place.

JoJo, let’s go see a man about a horse or whatever the hell they say.